Linearize Nonlinear Models
What Is Linearization?
Linearization is a linear approximation of a nonlinear system that is valid in a small region
around an operating point.
For example, suppose that the nonlinear function is y=x^2. Linearizing this nonlinear
function about the operating point x = 1, y = 1 results in a linear function y= 2x− 1.
Near the operating point, y= 2x− 1 is a good approximation to y=x^2. Away from the
operating point, the approximation is poor.
The next figure shows a possible region of good approximation for the linearization of
y=x^2. The actual region of validity depends on the nonlinear model.